--Trevor Noah, who has made only 3 appearances on The Daily Show, will succeed Jon Stewart

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-reaction-to-indianas-new-intolerance-law-is-swift-broad/feed/0Indiana Gov. Mike Pence ducks and dodges questions about discrimination enabled by “religious freedom” law as Hoosiers face boycotts, criticism…. - --timing and intensity of the response is interesting, as more than a dozen states have similar laws,Indiana Gov. Mike Pence ducks and dodges questions about discrimination enabled by “religious freedom” law as Hoosiers face boycotts, criticism….
--timing and intensity of the response is interesting, as more than a dozen states have similar laws, and Clinton signed a similar federal law in 1993 allowing Indians to use peyote
--more curious timing: Pence violates his own religious values by approving needle exchange in tiny Austin, Indiana, site of an HIV outbreak among (presumably straight) opioid abusers
--8 years ago this week, Rep. Mike Pence toured Bagdhad with John McCain to tell us a market area was safe; the very next day, 21 people were killed there
--US and Iran are now negotiating in the media, as deadline nears and sabotage efforts intensify
--NSA guards shoot two men dressed as women who tried to ram through checkpoint at Ft. Meade, one killed
--using no Ed Snowden documents, AP reveals that top NSA brass wanted to kill metadata collection even before Snowden, because it’s not worth the expense and public distrust
--another DEA agent and another secret service agent arrested for allegedly stealing bitcoins during Silk Road investigation
--Arab League plans joint military force, offering short-term benefit to US, with long-term risk
--Martin O’Malley opposes dynasty politics in general, but can’t find the words to link Hillary
--Trevor Noah, who has made only 3 appearances on The Daily Show, will succeed Jon StewartPeter B. Collinsno28:39PBC News & Comment: Bellicose Bolton Blares: “Bomb Iran!”http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-bellicose-bolton-blares-bomb-iran/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-bellicose-bolton-blares-bomb-iran/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 22:01:27 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11127

Neocon John Bolton calls the tune, “Let’s Bomb Iran” in NY Times op-ed that links to contrary evidence from Iraq…

--despite hot wars in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, Israel’s American allies sabotage nuke talks and demand more war

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-bellicose-bolton-blares-bomb-iran/feed/0Neocon John Bolton calls the tune, “Let’s Bomb Iran” in NY Times op-ed that links to contrary evidence from Iraq… - --despite hot wars in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, Israel’s American allies sabotage nuke talks and demand more war - Neocon John Bolton calls the tune, “Let’s Bomb Iran” in NY Times op-ed that links to contrary evidence from Iraq…
--despite hot wars in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, Israel’s American allies sabotage nuke talks and demand more war
--as Jon Schwartz notes at The Intercept, Bolton’s bellicose column linked to article that contradicts a key assertion
--Jeb Bush unfriends Poppy’s consigliere after Jim Baker criticizes Netanyahu
--Gareth Porter reports that the final barrier to a deal with Iran is the removal of sanctions, as deadline nears
--Israel will release some tax revenue to Palestinian Authority
--the new proxy war in Yemen continues with more Saudi air strikes and reports of civilian deaths
--in strong editorial, NY Times hits Obama’s “dangerous escalation” in Iraq
--in new Processing Distortion interview, Prof. David Coates of Wake Forest talks about his new book, America in the Shadows of Empire
--NY Times also editorializes against prosecution of Bowe Bergdahl
--Sen. Harry Reid will not run again, prefers Schumer as next Dem leader
--CIA fires counterterrorism boss, and media plays the game that Mike D’Andrea’s name is a secret
--as Sens. Warren and Brown call for reining in banksters, Wall Street threatens to withhold campaign cash
--California Supreme Court orders changes to extreme law on sex offendersPeter B. Collinsno32:14PBC News & Comment: Saudis, Emirates and Egypt Join the Fun in Yemenhttp://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-saudis-emirates-and-egypt-join-the-fun-in-yemen/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-saudis-emirates-and-egypt-join-the-fun-in-yemen/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 21:05:35 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11124

--in visit to Birmingham tomorrow, will Obama pardon or commute the sentence of Don Siegelman?

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-new-house-bill-would-fully-repeal-patriot-act/feed/0Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduce Surveillance State Repeal Act, which could restore most 4th Amendment rights…. - --federal judge in San Francisco orders FBI to release records on monitoring Muslims - Reps. Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduce Surveillance State Repeal Act, which could restore most 4th Amendment rights….
--federal judge in San Francisco orders FBI to release records on monitoring Muslims
--friendly review panel gives FBI good marks since 9/11, still finds shortcomings
--Afghanistan’s Ghani leads charm offensive in Washington, gives speech to joint session of Congress, gets money and troop commitments through 2017
--civil war expands in Yemen, another failure of US military and intelligence, our most recent puppet is on the run
--US conducting aerial recon for Iranian fighters near Tikrit
--Syrian rebels close in on Idlib
--in latest story on Americans fighting for IS, NY Times admits it’s an anomaly, not a trend—only 6 men and 3 women known
--Boko Haram reportedly stages another mass kidnapping, as many as 500 this time
--at VICE, Jason Leopold fills in the redacted gaps of weak intelligence that was manipulated for Iraq invasion
--Jesus Gomez is giving Rahm Emmanuel a real challenge in April 7 Chicago mayor runoff
--in NY Times op-ed, Teresa Tritch notes that Obama could use executive order to force disclosure of political contributions by government contractors
--California senate committee tries to understand big swings in gas prices, gets a headache
--in visit to Birmingham tomorrow, will Obama pardon or commute the sentence of Don Siegelman?
Peter B. Collinsno28:38PBC News & Comment; Silver Lining to Netanyahu’s Ugly Win?http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-silver-lining-to-netanyahus-ugly-win/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-silver-lining-to-netanyahus-ugly-win/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 23:18:39 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11118

Ai Weiwei is a talented artist who brings personal experience as an activist and political prisoner to a unique exhibition staged at the former island supermax prison, Alcatraz, in San Francisco Bay. We take you on a tour, and bring you a powerful message of validation from former American political prisoner John Kiriakou.On a recent visit to Alcatraz, a major tourist destination, your humble host recorded observations of the scene and comments from visitors. Ai Weiwei was not permitted by Chinese authorities to oversee the installation of his art, but his presence is strongly felt, and his embrace of fellow activists and prisoners worldwide is imposing, and impressive.

The exhibit continues until April 26, 2015. Get more information here.

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-special-report-powerful-art-exhibit-on-alcatraz-by-chinese-artist-dissident/feed/0Ai Weiwei is a talented artist who brings personal experience as an activist and political prisoner to a unique exhibition staged at the former island supermax prison, Alcatraz, in San Francisco Bay. We take you on a tour,Ai Weiwei is a talented artist who brings personal experience as an activist and political prisoner to a unique exhibition staged at the former island supermax prison, Alcatraz, in San Francisco Bay. We take you on a tour, and bring you a powerful message of validation from former American political prisoner John Kiriakou.On a recent visit to Alcatraz, a major tourist destination, your humble host recorded observations of the scene and comments from visitors. Ai Weiwei was not permitted by Chinese authorities to oversee the installation of his art, but his presence is strongly felt, and his embrace of fellow activists and prisoners worldwide is imposing, and impressive.
The exhibit continues until April 26, 2015. Get more information here.Peter B. Collinsno14:41Rutgers Prof. Todd Wolfson and Pioneer Michael Eisenmenger on Indy Media Centers and the Cyber Lefthttp://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/03/17/rutgers-prof-todd-wolfson-and-pioneer-michael-eisenmenger-on-indy-media-centers-and-the-cyber-left/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/03/17/rutgers-prof-todd-wolfson-and-pioneer-michael-eisenmenger-on-indy-media-centers-and-the-cyber-left/#commentsTue, 17 Mar 2015 23:28:05 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?p=11102

Todd Wolfson is an assistant professor of journalism and media at Rutgers University; Michael Eisenmenger formerly taught at Rutgers, and now manages the Community Media Center of Marin County. Both bring deep knowledge of the independent media movement to this conversation.Wolfson's new book is Digital Rebellion: The Birth of the Cyber Left. He traces the origins of the indy media movement to the Zapatista movement in Chiapas, Mexico, and we learn that Eisenmenger worked on media projects related to the Zapatistas for about 12 years.

Our main focus is on Seattle in 1999, where an independent media center was set up for non-corporate coverage of the WTO conference. Eisenmenger played a major role in the setup and operation of the center, and PBC used it to file reports for Radio New Zealand. We compare notes about Seattle, the zeitgeist of the indy media center, the police riot that produced the images of confrontation that played in the mainstream media, and more. Wolfson and Eisenmenger both comment on the content produced, the latter saying it was more movement media than journalism.

We talk about the quick growth of indy media centers, and events they covered from the IMF meeting to political conventions. And we talk about the Occupy movement, which produced some great independent media but appeared naive to surveillance and other government tactics that undermined them.

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/03/17/rutgers-prof-todd-wolfson-and-pioneer-michael-eisenmenger-on-indy-media-centers-and-the-cyber-left/feed/0Free Preview Clip - Todd Wolfson is an assistant professor of journalism and media at Rutgers University; Michael Eisenmenger formerly taught at Rutgers, and now manages the Community Media Center of Marin County.Free Preview Clip
Todd Wolfson is an assistant professor of journalism and media at Rutgers University; Michael Eisenmenger formerly taught at Rutgers, and now manages the Community Media Center of Marin County. Both bring deep knowledge of the independent media movement to this conversation.Wolfson's new book is Digital Rebellion: The Birth of the Cyber Left. He traces the origins of the indy media movement to the Zapatista movement in Chiapas, Mexico, and we learn that Eisenmenger worked on media projects related to the Zapatistas for about 12 years.
Our main focus is on Seattle in 1999, where an independent media center was set up for non-corporate coverage of the WTO conference. Eisenmenger played a major role in the setup and operation of the center, and PBC used it to file reports for Radio New Zealand. We compare notes about Seattle, the zeitgeist of the indy media center, the police riot that produced the images of confrontation that played in the mainstream media, and more. Wolfson and Eisenmenger both comment on the content produced, the latter saying it was more movement media than journalism.
We talk about the quick growth of indy media centers, and events they covered from the IMF meeting to political conventions. And we talk about the Occupy movement, which produced some great independent media but appeared naive to surveillance and other government tactics that undermined them.Peter B. Collinsno1:00:46PBC News & Comment: Netanyahu Stoops to Racism, Forgery in Tight Electionhttp://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-netanyahu-stoops-to-racism-forgery-in-tight-election/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-netanyahu-stoops-to-racism-forgery-in-tight-election/#commentsTue, 17 Mar 2015 20:50:42 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11100

--and The Guardianexposes the 5-year ordeal of an American from Oregon who refused to become an informant, and was tortured, exiled in Sweden, returned last month

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-facing-election-loss-desperate-netanyahu-shows-true-colors/feed/0In desperate bid to win Tuesday’s election, Netanyahu reveals what we’ve long suspected: he opposes any plan for Palestinian statehood…….. - --US Senate committee to investigate role of former Obama campaign workers in Israeli election - --Prof.In desperate bid to win Tuesday’s election, Netanyahu reveals what we’ve long suspected: he opposes any plan for Palestinian statehood……..
--US Senate committee to investigate role of former Obama campaign workers in Israeli election
--Prof. Juan Cole lists the 5 ways Netanyahu has sabotaged US and Israel interests
--Zionist group This World sends late valentine to Sen. Bob Menendez, ignoring his pending indictment
--in adjacent pages in Sunday NY Times, we see that 80% of the lights are out in Syria due to civil war; Citibank brags they are helping Detroit, where 40% of the lights were out
--Kerry floats idea of talks with Syria, gets blasted from all sides, including Assad
--Kerry kisses up to Egypt’s dictator, cheerleading investor conference in Cairo, hints at resumption of US aid suspended after coup
--Obama administration changes the Afghan exit plan, again
--CIA paid ransom to al Qaeda, and weekly cash drops to Kabul government continue
--as latest “domestic terrorism” suspects enter pleas in NYC, Trevor Aaronson exposes another frame-up by the FBI
--and The Guardian exposes the 5-year ordeal of an American from Oregon who refused to become an informant, and was tortured, exiled in Sweden, returned last month
Peter B. Collinsno28:14PBC News & Comment: Recapping a Very Weird Weekhttp://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-recapping-a-very-weird-week/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-recapping-a-very-weird-week/#commentsFri, 13 Mar 2015 21:24:35 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11088

In compelling analysis, journalist Gareth Porter offers the real story behind the letter from 47 GOP senators to the Ayatollah...Read Porter's piece here

Peter Laufer's new book Organic explores the huge growth in food products labeled "organic", in part by tracking a bag of walnuts from Kazhakhstan and a can of black beans from Bolivia. He details the USDA's "promotion" or organic products, with limited enforcement of standards and labeling requirements.

Laufer holds the James Wallace Chair at University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication. A veteran radio reporter, talk show host and print journalist, he is the author of many books, get full info here. The full title of the new book is Organic: A Journalist's Quest to Discover the Truth Behind Food Labeling.

Our conversation opens about my recent visit to Eugene and Portland, where PBC led some workshops about podcasting, enabling some new voices to join the podcast fun.

Laufer's book starts in his own kitchen, where he and wife Sheila discover a bag of "organic" walnuts purchased at Trader Joe's has gone rancid. As he returned the defective merchandise, he noted the package stated the walnuts were grown in Kazakhstan. From his earlier travels covering the collapse of the Soviet Union, Laufer was skeptical that anything grown in Kazakhstan could be truly organic. Scrutinizing a can of organic black beans purchased at a local natural food store, he noted they were produced in Bolivia.

As he traced the origins of these food products, he encountered a stone wall at Trader Joe's, which told him that the source of the Kazakh walnuts was a "trade secret". Laufer details the US Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program, which is intended to promote domestic and foreign sales of American organic products, and has limited enforcement capabilities. After filing a formal protest, USDA concedes to Laufer that the walnuts from Kazakhstan were not organic, with no consequences for Trader Joe's false representation on the label.

The book explores the difference between USDA organic standards and those in Europe, and finds that claims of American superiority are dubious. Laufer tells us that the leading organic certifying agency, Quality Assurance International, is funded by the producers; this leads to an escalating exchange about the credibility of self-regulation.

Laufer recounts his meeting in Bolivia with Pedro Carayuri, a legitimate organic farmer who imparts a powerful message to American consumers, especially those who prefer organic foods.

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/03/13/prof-peter-laufer-traces-organic-products-back-to-the-farm/feed/0Free Preview Clip - Peter Laufer's new book Organic explores the huge growth in food products labeled "organic", in part by tracking a bag of walnuts from Kazhakhstan and a can of black beans from Bolivia.Free Preview Clip
Peter Laufer's new book Organic explores the huge growth in food products labeled "organic", in part by tracking a bag of walnuts from Kazhakhstan and a can of black beans from Bolivia. He details the USDA's "promotion" or organic products, with limited enforcement of standards and labeling requirements.
Laufer holds the James Wallace Chair at University of Oregon's School of Journalism and Communication. A veteran radio reporter, talk show host and print journalist, he is the author of many books, get full info here. The full title of the new book is Organic: A Journalist's Quest to Discover the Truth Behind Food Labeling.
Our conversation opens about my recent visit to Eugene and Portland, where PBC led some workshops about podcasting, enabling some new voices to join the podcast fun.
Laufer's book starts in his own kitchen, where he and wife Sheila discover a bag of "organic" walnuts purchased at Trader Joe's has gone rancid. As he returned the defective merchandise, he noted the package stated the walnuts were grown in Kazakhstan. From his earlier travels covering the collapse of the Soviet Union, Laufer was skeptical that anything grown in Kazakhstan could be truly organic. Scrutinizing a can of organic black beans purchased at a local natural food store, he noted they were produced in Bolivia.
As he traced the origins of these food products, he encountered a stone wall at Trader Joe's, which told him that the source of the Kazakh walnuts was a "trade secret". Laufer details the US Department of Agriculture's National Organic Program, which is intended to promote domestic and foreign sales of American organic products, and has limited enforcement capabilities. After filing a formal protest, USDA concedes to Laufer that the walnuts from Kazakhstan were not organic, with no consequences for Trader Joe's false representation on the label.
The book explores the difference between USDA organic standards and those in Europe, and finds that claims of American superiority are dubious. Laufer tells us that the leading organic certifying agency, Quality Assurance International, is funded by the producers; this leads to an escalating exchange about the credibility of self-regulation.
Laufer recounts his meeting in Bolivia with Pedro Carayuri, a legitimate organic farmer who imparts a powerful message to American consumers, especially those who prefer organic foods.Peter B. Collinsno48:42PBC News & Comment: Ayatollah Replies to Senate “Backstabbers”http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-ayatollah-replies-to-senate-backstabbers/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-ayatollah-replies-to-senate-backstabbers/#commentsThu, 12 Mar 2015 21:23:38 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11077

--Ayatollah Khamenei hammers GOP senators as “backstabbers” with “declining political ethics” in response to their condescending letter about nuke negotiations....

--Kerry tells Senate committee they can’t cancel a deal with Iran

--Iranian officers are directing Iraqi troops closing in on Tikrit, top US general “concerned” about outcome

--ABC News reports that Shiite militias are committing atrocities just like their Sunni opponent, IS

--Congress interjects itself in peace talks, but can’t reach agreement on war powers against IS

--even before the email flap that broke this week, former SF Mayor Willie Brown expressed doubts about Hillary

--it’s been a year since Malaysian flight 370 mysteriously went down, and took CNN’s ratings with it

--50 years after bloody protest in Selma, Obama will lead Sunday march over famous bridge, burnishing a very weak record on racial progress

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-preview-of-powerful-interview-with-john-kiriakou/feed/0Former CIA officer John Kiriakou, the only American jailed in connection with Bush torture program, shares his powerful story… - --at Leavenworth, whistleblower Chelsea Manning is now called “she” and is due to start hormone therapy - Former CIA officer John Kiriakou, the only American jailed in connection with Bush torture program, shares his powerful story…
--at Leavenworth, whistleblower Chelsea Manning is now called “she” and is due to start hormone therapy
--NY climate change protesters win acquittal after presenting “necessity defense”
--300 US troops arrive in western Ukraine as “advisors”, and Moscow reacts
--US watches as Iran steps up fighting in Iraq against Daesh
--at al Jazeera, David Cay Johnston reports on FERC, the energy regulator captive to its industries
--boosting Scott Walker’s presidential hopes, Wisconsin passes anti-union “right to work” law
--even before the email flap that broke this week, former SF Mayor Willie Brown expressed doubts about Hillary
--it’s been a year since Malaysian flight 370 mysteriously went down, and took CNN’s ratings with it
--50 years after bloody protest in Selma, Obama will lead Sunday march over famous bridge, burnishing a very weak record on racial progressPeter B. Collinsno27:07Fresh Out of Prison, Former CIA Officer John Kiriakou Talks Torture, Much Morehttp://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/03/06/fresh-out-of-prison-former-cia-officer-john-kiriakou-talks-torture-much-more/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/03/06/fresh-out-of-prison-former-cia-officer-john-kiriakou-talks-torture-much-more/#commentsFri, 06 Mar 2015 22:50:09 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?p=11063

John Kiriakou is the only American jailed in connection with Bush-era torture programs--for being a whistleblower. In this in-depth interview, Kiriakou speaks candidly about the aggressive retaliation he faced for admitting the obvious--resulting in a 30-month sentence in federal prison.After relating the joy of his release from prison with his family, Kiriakou walks us through his work at CIA and his assignment in Pakistan, where he ran the operation that captured Abu Zubaydeh. At that time, Kiriakou had not thought much about interrogation and torture, but explains that he evolved after learning of the brutal tactics. He left CIA in 2004, and was a paid analyst for ABC News in 2007 when he made a "nuanced" comment about waterboarding as torture and torture as un-American, and wrong.

The FBI made a number of attempts to entrap Kiriakou, and he tells the story in context with other frame-ups orchestrated by the FBI since 9/11. Then, while he was working as top investigator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under Sen. John Kerry, he was charged with several counts under the draconian Espionage Act and with revealing the name of a covert CIA agent.

He explains that he ultimately agreed to a plea deal, and plead guilty to one charge of revealing the agent--even though he thought the agent was no longer covert, and the information was never published. When asked about the recent plea deal by General Petraeus, Kiriakou says that neither of them should've been prosecuted.

While he wisely ducks my question about notorious CIA executive Alfreda Frances Bikowsky, he is quite forthcoming in every other respect, especially on the culture of lies that is the foundation of the CIA.

Kiriakou acknowledges excellent work by online journalists Kevin Gozstola and Jason Leopold, and reveals that he has a new position at the Institute for Policy Studies. He does not think America's torture team will be brought to justice in the forseeable future.

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/03/06/fresh-out-of-prison-former-cia-officer-john-kiriakou-talks-torture-much-more/feed/0Free Preview Clip - John Kiriakou is the only American jailed in connection with Bush-era torture programs--for being a whistleblower. In this in-depth interview, Kiriakou speaks candidly about the aggressive retaliation he faced for admitting the...Free Preview Clip
John Kiriakou is the only American jailed in connection with Bush-era torture programs--for being a whistleblower. In this in-depth interview, Kiriakou speaks candidly about the aggressive retaliation he faced for admitting the obvious--resulting in a 30-month sentence in federal prison.After relating the joy of his release from prison with his family, Kiriakou walks us through his work at CIA and his assignment in Pakistan, where he ran the operation that captured Abu Zubaydeh. At that time, Kiriakou had not thought much about interrogation and torture, but explains that he evolved after learning of the brutal tactics. He left CIA in 2004, and was a paid analyst for ABC News in 2007 when he made a "nuanced" comment about waterboarding as torture and torture as un-American, and wrong.
The FBI made a number of attempts to entrap Kiriakou, and he tells the story in context with other frame-ups orchestrated by the FBI since 9/11. Then, while he was working as top investigator for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under Sen. John Kerry, he was charged with several counts under the draconian Espionage Act and with revealing the name of a covert CIA agent.
He explains that he ultimately agreed to a plea deal, and plead guilty to one charge of revealing the agent--even though he thought the agent was no longer covert, and the information was never published. When asked about the recent plea deal by General Petraeus, Kiriakou says that neither of them should've been prosecuted.
While he wisely ducks my question about notorious CIA executive Alfreda Frances Bikowsky, he is quite forthcoming in every other respect, especially on the culture of lies that is the foundation of the CIA.
Kiriakou acknowledges excellent work by online journalists Kevin Gozstola and Jason Leopold, and reveals that he has a new position at the Institute for Policy Studies. He does not think America's torture team will be brought to justice in the forseeable future.
Peter B. Collinsno1:03:15PBC News & Comment: Alabama Supreme Court Defies Reality, and the Inevitablehttp://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-alabama-supreme-court-defies-reality-and-the-inevitable/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-alabama-supreme-court-defies-reality-and-the-inevitable/#commentsThu, 05 Mar 2015 23:19:36 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11060

Christian radicals on Alabama Supreme Court hunker down, issue new ban on same sex marriage in defiance of federal courts…

--Netanyahu’s grandstanding may lead to breakthrough in talks with Iran, and might cost him re-election

--Putin allies blame US for murder of Nemtsov, no proof offered

--Pentagon stats show a small number of men released from Guantanamo “returned to the fight”—and that’s defined very broadly, Jason Leopold reports

--US oil glut reaches highest level in 80 years, but retail gas prices in California have shot back up to $3.50

--at TomDispatch, Pratap Chatterjee reports that US drone pilots are quitting in record numbers, some due to a new kind of remote combat stress --GOP’s Benghazi-obsessed Trey Gowdy aims for Hillary’s emails

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-alabama-supreme-court-defies-reality-and-the-inevitable/feed/0Christian radicals on Alabama Supreme Court hunker down, issue new ban on same sex marriage in defiance of federal courts… - --Netanyahu’s grandstanding may lead to breakthrough in talks with Iran, and might cost him re-election - Christian radicals on Alabama Supreme Court hunker down, issue new ban on same sex marriage in defiance of federal courts…
--Netanyahu’s grandstanding may lead to breakthrough in talks with Iran, and might cost him re-election
--Putin allies blame US for murder of Nemtsov, no proof offered
--Pentagon stats show a small number of men released from Guantanamo “returned to the fight”—and that’s defined very broadly, Jason Leopold reports
--former CIA analyst Mel Goodman rebuts David Cole’s recent op-ed defending CIA torture
--new report shows Obama White House balked at bomb train safety measures
--US oil glut reaches highest level in 80 years, but retail gas prices in California have shot back up to $3.50
--at TomDispatch, Pratap Chatterjee reports that US drone pilots are quitting in record numbers, some due to a new kind of remote combat stress --GOP’s Benghazi-obsessed Trey Gowdy aims for Hillary’s emails
--still-Attorney General Holder announces no federal charges for Michael Brown’s killer, Darren Wilson while finding long-term bias in Ferguson police department
--Brown’s family announces wrongful death lawsuit
--jazz producer Orrin Keepnews dies at age 91Peter B. Collinsno29:29PBC News & Comment: In Boston Bomber Trial, Truth is First Casualtyhttp://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-in-boston-bomber-trial-truth-is-first-casualty/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-in-boston-bomber-trial-truth-is-first-casualty/#commentsWed, 04 Mar 2015 23:17:38 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11057

In opening statement, defense counsel admits Tsarnaev brought backpack bomb, revealing that their sole objective is to avoid death penalty…

WhoWhatWhy offers best coverage, challenges the government’s case as one would hope the defense should: smoking gun video may not even exist; CIA connections unlikely to be exposed; who killed MIT campus cop?

--following lone wolf attacks, Canada is ramming through anti-democratic security laws in an undemocratic manner, just like its southern neighbor did, says report

--Hillary’s self-induced email controversy grows, as GOP House committee launches subpoenas and corporate media pundits speculate about her bowing out of 2016

--Cutting through the partisan smoke of Netanyahu’s speech and reception, cool analysts expose his lies and exaggerations, and note a minor shift in his “zero” demands of Iran. Read alJazeera’s “4 point reality check” here, and Bob Parry’s commentary here.

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-bully-in-the-pulpit/feed/0Netanyahu’s doomsday speech to Congress once again demands that US put interests of Israel’s extreme government ahead of our own… - --55 Dems, including Sens. Warren and Franken, boycott the spectacle - --with Bibi’s distraction in full play,Netanyahu’s doomsday speech to Congress once again demands that US put interests of Israel’s extreme government ahead of our own…
--55 Dems, including Sens. Warren and Franken, boycott the spectacle
--with Bibi’s distraction in full play, Boehner quietly announces GOP surrender in the staged battle over immigration enforcement and DHS funding
--in outrageous plea deal, “Justice” Dept. gives David Petraeus slap on the wrist for sharing classified info with his mistress/biographer
--British tabloid details Pentagon report that finds dishonesty at all levels of US Army
--whistleblower Ed Snowden has started talks with “Justice” about returning to US to face trial
--RT reports German investigation of NSA spying is being blocked by Britain
--while secretary of state, Hillary Clinton only used a private email address, allowing her to control the release in violation of standard practices
--new Pentagon chief Ashton Carton offers happy-talk embrace of IS strategy, including the myth of training “moderate” rebel fights that we can control
--important cases heard at Supreme Court on redistricting and Obamacare this week
--The Guardian’s Spencer Ackerman continues to expose long running violations by Chicago police, and massive settlements to victims
--Sunday’s NY Times had lengthy expose of brutality by guards at Attica prison, and Monday they accepted plea deals
--in Iran, jailed Washington Post reporter Jason Rezaian has been allowed to hire a lawyer
--California GOP finally gives official recognition to gay caucus, Log Cabin RepublicansPeter B. Collinsno36:06PBC News & Comment: When Zionists Fight Each Otherhttp://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-when-zionists-fight-each-other/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-when-zionists-fight-each-other/#commentsMon, 02 Mar 2015 22:35:33 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11053

Netanyahu drives wedge in US-Israel relations in bid for reelection advantage, American leaders scramble for cover; few minds will change….

--in NY Times op-ed, Roger Cohen attacks Netanyahu from his right, for stifling lawsuit by Americans in an apparent favor to China

Joseph Hickman is fighting to expose the truth about Guantanamo, the 3 prisoners who died on June 9, 2006 and the coverup that ensued--detailed in his important book, Murder at Camp Delta: A Staff Sergeant's Pursuit of the Truth About Guantanamo Bay.Hickman was the primary source for Scott Horton's expose in Harper's about the 2006 deaths, which were officially called "suicides" despite contradictory physical evidence. He was also the main source for the report by Jason Leopold and Dr. Jeffrey Kaye that revealed the use of an anti-malaria drug on every arriving prisoners--a drug known to produce psychotic side effects in the doses used.

Hickman says he "drank the Kool-aid" and believed in the mission of Guantanamo until a day or two after he arrived. He was disturbed to see prisoners in 6' x 8' cages in subhuman conditions. On a patrol, he discovered the secret site outside Camp America that he dubbed "Camp No" because of numerous signs that warned him not to approach it.

He describes the increasing tensions provoked in part by hard-nosed commanders, leading to a riot and major hunger strike in April and May of 2006. He tells of the mysterious white van that guards were instructed not to search or record its movements.

Hickman provides a detailed account of the events of June 9, when the white van took 3 prisoners in separate trips from Camp Delta in the direction of Camp No. Those 3 men returned about 4 hours later, dead. The coverup began immediately with Col. Bumgarner giving a direct order that guards would be hearing a different story in the media, and that they were forbidden to ever talk about what they saw.

With great assistance from a team of law students at Seton Hall, Hickman has doggedly pursued the truth. In addition to his narrative of the inmate deaths, he explains how he discovered evidence of the high-dosage injections of meflaquone given to each arriving prisoner, which produced a psychotic state for a month or more. And he talks about the real meaning of the tag "America's Battle Lab", used by high-ranking officials to describe the prison in Cuba.

This podcast is dedicated to Shaker Aamer, the last British man held at Guantanamo. Hickman reveals for the first time that, on June 9, 2006 Aamer was removed from his cell and subjected to a torture session with tactics consistent with the injuries noted in the autopsies of the dead men. Considering that incident and many other factors, Hickman predicts--with considerable regret--that Aamer will never be released.

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/02/27/blockbuster-former-gitmo-guard-joe-hickman-exposes-truth-about-americas-battle-lab/feed/0Free Preview Clip - http://www.peterbcollins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Hickman.mp3 - Joseph Hickman is fighting to expose the truth about Guantanamo, the 3 prisoners who died on June 9, 2006 and the coverup that ensued--detailed in his import...Free Preview Clip
http://www.peterbcollins.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Hickman.mp3
Joseph Hickman is fighting to expose the truth about Guantanamo, the 3 prisoners who died on June 9, 2006 and the coverup that ensued--detailed in his important book, Murder at Camp Delta: A Staff Sergeant's Pursuit of the Truth About Guantanamo Bay.Hickman was the primary source for Scott Horton's expose in Harper's about the 2006 deaths, which were officially called "suicides" despite contradictory physical evidence. He was also the main source for the report by Jason Leopold and Dr. Jeffrey Kaye that revealed the use of an anti-malaria drug on every arriving prisoners--a drug known to produce psychotic side effects in the doses used.
Hickman says he "drank the Kool-aid" and believed in the mission of Guantanamo until a day or two after he arrived. He was disturbed to see prisoners in 6' x 8' cages in subhuman conditions. On a patrol, he discovered the secret site outside Camp America that he dubbed "Camp No" because of numerous signs that warned him not to approach it.
He describes the increasing tensions provoked in part by hard-nosed commanders, leading to a riot and major hunger strike in April and May of 2006. He tells of the mysterious white van that guards were instructed not to search or record its movements.
Hickman provides a detailed account of the events of June 9, when the white van took 3 prisoners in separate trips from Camp Delta in the direction of Camp No. Those 3 men returned about 4 hours later, dead. The coverup began immediately with Col. Bumgarner giving a direct order that guards would be hearing a different story in the media, and that they were forbidden to ever talk about what they saw.
With great assistance from a team of law students at Seton Hall, Hickman has doggedly pursued the truth. In addition to his narrative of the inmate deaths, he explains how he discovered evidence of the high-dosage injections of meflaquone given to each arriving prisoner, which produced a psychotic state for a month or more. And he talks about the real meaning of the tag "America's Battle Lab", used by high-ranking officials to describe the prison in Cuba.
This podcast is dedicated to Shaker Aamer, the last British man held at Guantanamo. Hickman reveals for the first time that, on June 9, 2006 Aamer was removed from his cell and subjected to a torture session with tactics consistent with the injuries noted in the autopsies of the dead men. Considering that incident and many other factors, Hickman predicts--with considerable regret--that Aamer will never be released.Peter B. Collinsno1:16:32PBC News & Comment: Jihadi John, American Malware and Net Neutralityhttp://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-jihadi-john-american-malware-and-net-neutrality/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-jihadi-john-american-malware-and-net-neutrality/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 22:55:16 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11042

--Corporate media goes into hyperdrive over identification of “Jihadi John”, a monster created by Britain’s heavy handed anti-terrorism tactics….

Prof. Bart Beaty, who heads the English department at the University of Calgary, joins us to explain the background to the attacks in January on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris, in this fascinating in-depth interview.Beaty has published 15 books on political cartoons and comic books. His latest, Twelve Cent Archie, examines the Archie comics of the 1950's and '60's. He is very familiar with Charlie Hebdo, and knew the cartoonists who were killed in the incident.

While in Eugene at the University of Oregon in early February, your humble host got to hear a guest lecture by Beaty, where he analyzed the French magazine and detailed its history and role in French media.

Following an overview of trends in graphic novels and political cartooning in France, Beaty compares and contrasts Charlie Hebdo with American publications including The New Yorker, Mad, and Hustler. He notes the importance of understanding the local context of a political cartoon, and explains the way the artists at Charlie Hebdo worked as an ensemble and that their weekly team meeting was the occasion of the armed assault that left 12 dead, including 5 cartoonists.

Beaty explains how the best satire most often "punches up" at the powerful, and that the inclusion of Muslims and their prophet as targets of their cartoons was an indication that they consider Muslims full members of French society.

We cover a range of angles, including the hypocrisy of the world leaders who staged a photo op at the march in Paris after the shootings, and the hypocrisy of American media that loudly supported free expression while refusing to run the cartoons--or even give a reasonable explanation why they didn't.

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/02/25/international-cartoon-expert-bart-beaty-provides-history-context-for-controversial-charlie-hebdo/feed/0Free Preview Clip - Prof. Bart Beaty, who heads the English department at the University of Calgary, joins us to explain the background to the attacks in January on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris, in this fascinating in-depth interview.Free Preview Clip
Prof. Bart Beaty, who heads the English department at the University of Calgary, joins us to explain the background to the attacks in January on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris, in this fascinating in-depth interview.Beaty has published 15 books on political cartoons and comic books. His latest, Twelve Cent Archie, examines the Archie comics of the 1950's and '60's. He is very familiar with Charlie Hebdo, and knew the cartoonists who were killed in the incident.
While in Eugene at the University of Oregon in early February, your humble host got to hear a guest lecture by Beaty, where he analyzed the French magazine and detailed its history and role in French media.
Following an overview of trends in graphic novels and political cartooning in France, Beaty compares and contrasts Charlie Hebdo with American publications including The New Yorker, Mad, and Hustler. He notes the importance of understanding the local context of a political cartoon, and explains the way the artists at Charlie Hebdo worked as an ensemble and that their weekly team meeting was the occasion of the armed assault that left 12 dead, including 5 cartoonists.
Beaty explains how the best satire most often "punches up" at the powerful, and that the inclusion of Muslims and their prophet as targets of their cartoons was an indication that they consider Muslims full members of French society.
We cover a range of angles, including the hypocrisy of the world leaders who staged a photo op at the march in Paris after the shootings, and the hypocrisy of American media that loudly supported free expression while refusing to run the cartoons--or even give a reasonable explanation why they didn't.Peter B. Collinsno51:02PBC News & Comment: Rahm Emmanuel Faces Chicago Voters Amid Revelation of Police “Black Site”http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-rahm-emmanuel-faces-chicago-voters-amid-revelation-of-police-black-site/
http://www.peterbcollins.com/newscomment/pbc-news-comment-rahm-emmanuel-faces-chicago-voters-amid-revelation-of-police-black-site/#commentsTue, 24 Feb 2015 22:09:01 +0000http://www.peterbcollins.com/?post_type=newscomment&p=11036

As Mayor Rahm Emmanuel seeks second term, Chicago police “black site” and history of abuse are exposed by Spencer Ackerman….Read Ackerman’s report here.

Paula McAvoy is a former California high school social studies teacher and co-author of The Political Classroom. In today's polarized, partisan America, what's the right way to bring politics into the classroom?

McAvoy and her co-author, Diana E. Hess, have high school teaching experience and work at the Spencer Foundation in Chicago, and Hess is professor of Social Studies Education at University of Wisconsin-Madison. They conducted a 4-year study covering 1,000 students and 21 teachers in 15 schools of different populations.

The results offer insight into different teaching styles and the management of classroom discussions to promote dialogue and avoid isolating students with views that are different from the majority. In some cases, teachers will present views they don't agree with in order to foster debate.

In discussing the controversy over America's use of torture on prisoners, we talk about the ways that teachers frame the topic, the extent to which they share personal views with students, and how to deal with the conflicts between morality and policy. We discuss debate teams, mock trial, and other programs that help students develop critical thinking, personal opinions, and respect for conflicting views.

MacAvoy argues that no topic is too controversial for high school students, and the importance of facilitating their expression as they develop their political attitudes.

]]>http://www.peterbcollins.com/2015/02/23/former-high-school-teacher-paula-mcavoy-talks-about-politics-in-the-classroom/feed/0Free Preview Clip - Paula McAvoy is a former California high school social studies teacher and co-author of The Political Classroom. In today's polarized, partisan America, what's the right way to bring politics into the classroom? - Free Preview Clip
Paula McAvoy is a former California high school social studies teacher and co-author of The Political Classroom. In today's polarized, partisan America, what's the right way to bring politics into the classroom?
McAvoy and her co-author, Diana E. Hess, have high school teaching experience and work at the Spencer Foundation in Chicago, and Hess is professor of Social Studies Education at University of Wisconsin-Madison. They conducted a 4-year study covering 1,000 students and 21 teachers in 15 schools of different populations.
The results offer insight into different teaching styles and the management of classroom discussions to promote dialogue and avoid isolating students with views that are different from the majority. In some cases, teachers will present views they don't agree with in order to foster debate.
In discussing the controversy over America's use of torture on prisoners, we talk about the ways that teachers frame the topic, the extent to which they share personal views with students, and how to deal with the conflicts between morality and policy. We discuss debate teams, mock trial, and other programs that help students develop critical thinking, personal opinions, and respect for conflicting views.
MacAvoy argues that no topic is too controversial for high school students, and the importance of facilitating their expression as they develop their political attitudes.
Peter B. Collinsno34:05